Lee Daniels

I wanted to make a black 'Dynasty.'

People enjoy making fun of people who are famous; they love putting people down.

I love black women. I live for them. They are everything to me. I'm obsessed with them. They are sophisticated, resilient and smarter than me.

I think a lot of songwriters would agree that it's often easier to find inspiration in misery.

My style is Edie Sedgwick meets Grace Jones, or Audrey Hepburn meets Salt 'n' Pepa. Strong and feisty but still classic.

I would've done anything to work with Satyajit Ray.